Ten Ukrainians released from Russian captivity with Vatican’s mediation reunite with families in Kyiv

The Vatican’s role in the release of ten Ukrainians who were held prisoner for years in Russian captivity has brought a glimmer of hope to families and loved ones eagerly awaiting their return.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the release, stating that the Vatican played a crucial role in mediating the freedom of the prisoners. The group of Ukrainians arrived at Kyiv International Airport after years of captivity, with some arriving by helicopter in the dead of night, marking the first time the airport had seen passengers in over two years due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Among those freed was Nariman Dzhelyal, the deputy head of the Mejlis, a representative body of Crimean Tatars. Dzhelyal had been taken from Crimea before the war, highlighting the long-standing nature of some of the detentions. The emotional reunions at the airport, with families wrapping the released prisoners in blue and yellow flags, spoke volumes about the joy and relief experienced by all involved.

One of the released prisoners, art historian Olena Pekh, had been detained in the occupied part of the Donetsk region for six years. Her daughter, Isabella Pekh, had tirelessly lobbied for her mother’s release, and her efforts finally paid off. The heart-wrenching video call between the mother and daughter, separated for so long, brought tears to onlookers’ eyes and highlighted the enduring perseverance and love that fueled their reunion.

The return of the priests, including Bohdan Heleta who was detained inside his church in an occupied city, underscored the plight of many others who remain in captivity. According to Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, thousands of Ukrainians are still held by Russia, both civilians and military personnel.

As the freed Ukrainians begin to rebuild their lives and reunite with their loved ones, their release serves as a reminder of the ongoing human cost of the conflict in Ukraine and the importance of continued efforts to bring all those held captive back to their families.